Early Childhood Education Degree Guide: Certificate to PhD
Early childhood education degrees run from a one-year certificate up through a doctorate, and the level you need depends on the job. A certificate or the CDA credential can get you into a childcare or Head Start classroom. Teaching preschool or kindergarten with a license usually means at least a bachelor's degree, since your state's educator-licensing agency sets that floor.
If you're trying to figure out which early childhood education credential actually fits the job you want, the honest answer is: it depends on whether you want to work with young children or teach them under a state license. Those are different doors, and they call for different amounts of school. If you're still comparing degree paths more broadly, our guide to choosing an education degree is a good place to start.
Degree Options at a Glance
Five credential levels cover most of this field, and each one opens a different set of jobs. A four-year degree isn't required to start working with children, but it usually is required to lead a classroom under a state teaching license.
| Credential | Typical Length | Typical Roles |
|---|---|---|
| CDA Credential | 3-6 months | Childcare aide, in-home caregiver |
| Certificate | About 1 year | Teaching assistant, childcare aide |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | Preschool teacher, associate teacher |
| Bachelor's Degree | 4 years | Preschool or elementary teacher, with state certification |
| Master's Degree | 2-3 years past a bachelor's | Preschool director, Head Start director |
| Doctoral Degree | 3-5 years past a master's | Professor, program director, early childhood specialist |
Additional programs of study in early childhood education:
- Certificate in Early Childhood Education
- Associate's in Early Childhood Education
- Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education
- Master's in Early Childhood Education
- Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education
The CDA Credential Isn't the Same as a Degree
A lot of people confuse the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential with an early childhood degree, and the mix-up is understandable since both get you into a classroom. The CDA is a competency-based credential from the Council for Professional Recognition, not a college degree. It takes a few months rather than a year or two, and it's often the fastest route into a paid childcare or Head Start role. If you finish a CDA and later decide to go further, most of that experience and some coursework transfers into a certificate or associate program.
Early Childhood Education Certificate
Requirements
A certificate works if your goal is to work with young children without committing to a full degree yet. Requirements vary by school, but most ask for a high school diploma or GED and a minimum age of 18. The credits usually transfer into an associate or bachelor's program later, so it's not a dead end if you change your mind.
Time
Most certificate programs take about a year, roughly half the time of an associate degree, whether the school runs on quarters or semesters.
Possible Careers
A certificate qualifies you for entry-level roles in schools, childcare centers, and other organizations that work with young children: teaching assistant, childcare aide, early intervention aide, or in-home caregiver. Some programs offer a specialized Montessori certification as well.
Learn more about a certificate in early childhood education.
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
Requirements
Getting into an associate program takes a high school diploma, a completed application, and usually a letter of recommendation and application fee. Some colleges also run a background check before you start coursework. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), through its Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs, keeps a list of accredited associate programs, worth checking before you enroll since accreditation affects whether credits transfer and whether some states count the degree toward licensure.
Time
Most students finish in two years, or 4 to 6 semesters at a full course load of around 12 units per term. Taking fewer classes each term stretches that out.
Possible Careers
Graduates typically move into childcare work, preschool teaching, or associate and infant/toddler teacher roles. If preschool teaching is the goal, our Preschool Teacher Career Page covers what the job actually involves day to day.
Learn more about an associate degree in early childhood education.
Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education
Requirements
A bachelor's program asks for admission to an accredited college, a high school diploma, references, and a completed application. Some schools add placement exams and a background check before education coursework starts. This is also usually the point where state certification requirements enter the picture, since most states set a bachelor's degree plus an approved preparation program as the traditional route to a teaching license, but check with your state's educator-licensing agency since alternative and CTE pathways exist too.
Time
Expect 3 to 5 years, with four years being typical for a full course load with summers off.
Possible Careers
A bachelor's opens the door to preschool teaching, daycare leadership, elementary teaching with the right certification, or consulting work. Visit our Preschool Teacher Career Page for more on that specific path.
Learn more about a bachelor's degree in early childhood education.
Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education
Most master's programs want a 3.0 GPA from an accredited undergraduate program in a related field, along with:
- GRE scores (some programs)
- 2-3 letters of recommendation
- A valid teaching license (some programs)
- A completed application with fee
- A personal statement or essay
Time
Full-time students typically finish in 2 to 3 years, or 4 to 6 semesters. Some schools run an accelerated track for people already teaching.
Possible Careers
A master's degree can lead to work as a preschool or Head Start director, a director for private childcare, or a birth-to-three coordinator. Many people pair it with teacher certification to move into an elementary classroom.
Learn more about a master's degree in early childhood education.
PhD in Early Childhood Education
Requirements
Doctoral programs generally require a master's degree, relevant field experience, reference letters, and a statement of purpose.
Time
Entering with a master's usually means 3 to 5 years to finish. Entering without one adds at least a year.
Accredited Programs
Check accreditation carefully at the doctoral level. The degree is meant to be proof of expertise, and that proof doesn't hold up if the program itself isn't accredited.
Possible Careers
A doctorate can lead to work as an early childhood specialist, a college professor, or a director-level role at a preschool or daycare.
Learn more about a PhD in early childhood education.
Studying Online: What Actually Changes
An online program doesn't change the degree: it changes the schedule. That matters most for working students who can't restructure a job around a campus timetable, or who don't live near a program that fits.
Cost is the other real difference. Skipping room, board, commuting, and parking passes brings the sticker price down at a lot of online programs, and FAFSA still applies whether the program is online or on campus. Whatever format you choose, confirm the school's accreditation before enrolling: it's the detail that affects transfer credit and licensure eligibility down the line, and easy to skip when a program looks convenient.
Career Paths With an Early Childhood Education Degree
A degree in this field opens more doors than the classroom alone. A few examples:
Preschool Teacher
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, preschool teachers earned a median annual salary of $38,140 as of May 2025. Projections Central estimates the field will grow about 4.1% between 2024 and 2034, with roughly 65,500 openings a year. It's one of the few teaching occupations actually projected to grow rather than hold flat or shrink.
Preschool and Childcare Center Director
Center directors hire staff, choose curriculum, and build relationships with families and the surrounding community. The BLS has more detail on preschool and childcare center directors.
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers in early childhood settings work with children who have exceptional needs, using an individualized curriculum. It's demanding work, and the demand for people who can do it well isn't going away.
Scholarships for Early Childhood Education Students
Paying for an ECE degree adds up fast, and a few scholarships are worth knowing about before you start applying to schools.
The Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship
The Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship is awarded annually to graduate or undergraduate students at an accredited U.S. college or university. The application asks for a full application form, a recent transcript, and a 500-word essay on the "Right to Work" principle as it applies to educators.
Teacher Education Scholarships (AMS)
If Montessori training is the goal, the Teacher Education Scholarships from the American Montessori Society weigh a personal statement, financial need, and three letters of recommendation. You'll need official verification of acceptance into an AMS-affiliated program.
Bright Futures National Scholarships
The Bright Futures Scholarship program supports students working toward an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree in early childhood education at an accredited U.S. school. Check the official page for current eligibility details.
For a longer list, visit our Scholarships and Grants page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do I need to work in early childhood education?
It depends on the role. A certificate or CDA credential is enough for many childcare and Head Start positions. Leading a preschool or kindergarten classroom under a state teaching license usually requires at least a bachelor's degree, and directing a center or program typically calls for a master's.
Is a CDA credential the same as a degree?
No. The Child Development Associate credential is a competency-based certification, not a college degree. It's faster to earn and often the quickest way into a paid childcare role, but it doesn't carry the same weight as an associate or bachelor's degree if you later want to teach under a state license.
How long does an early childhood education degree take?
A certificate takes about a year, an associate degree around two years, and a bachelor's degree four years for full-time students. Master's and doctoral programs typically add another two to five years on top of that.
Can I teach in a public school with an early childhood education degree?
Usually, yes, but the specific requirement depends on your state's educator-licensing agency. Most states expect at least a bachelor's degree from an approved preparation program plus passing scores on the state's licensure exams before you can lead your own classroom.
Does it matter if my program is online?
Not for the degree itself, as long as the program is properly accredited. What changes online is the schedule and often the cost, not the credential you end up with.
- Degree level should match the job - a certificate or CDA gets you into a childcare classroom, but leading one under a state license typically takes a bachelor's degree.
- The CDA is a credential, not a degree - faster to earn, and a common starting point, but it isn't a substitute for an associate or bachelor's degree if certification is the goal.
- Accreditation is worth checking before you enroll - NAEYC's Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs lists accredited associate programs, and accreditation affects both transfer credit and licensure eligibility.
- Licensure requirements vary by state - confirm the specifics with your state's educator-licensing agency rather than assuming your state matches another.
- Preschool teaching is one of the few growing teaching occupations - the BLS reports a median salary of $38,140 as of May 2025, with about 65,500 openings projected each year through 2034.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education. Job growth projections (2024-2034) are from the US Department of Labor-sponsored resource, Projections Central. Figures reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2026.
Degree level, accreditation, and format are the three things worth comparing before you commit to a program. The sponsored early childhood education programs on this page are a reasonable place to start putting those side by side.
Best Colleges for Early Childhood Education Degree Guide: Certificate to PhD
We are happy to release our Teacher.org's Best Colleges for Early Childhood Education Degree Guide: Certificate to PhD rankings. This list was compiled by scoring several areas including, relative size of the program, graduation rates, default rates, tuition affordability, and online education options availability. More information about each college listed is available by clicking on the web address provided. Over 425 colleges were analyzed and the top 20 were included in our Best Colleges Ranking.
For more information on education degree rankings, see our methodology page: https://www.teacher.org/college-ranking-methodology/.
Deemed the fourth largest university in the area of metropolitan Philadelphia, West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public, comprehensive institution with undergraduate programs that actively engage students to transfer learned skills to the world in which they live and work. WCU's Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Grades Preparation is designed to provide a general background in education, an understanding of children's social, emotional, and developmental milestones, as well as providing candidates with the skills and confidence required to guide and teach them. Learn more by visiting the college website at wcupa.edu.
- Public University
- 10,000 - 20,000 Students
- 200+ Grads/Yr
- Online Education Options
- 3.8% Loan Default
Located in the borough of Brooklyn, New York, CUNY Brooklyn College provides an outstanding undergraduate program in early childhood education. With an emphasis on art education in the early education classroom, the program prepares student for a future of working with young children who are discovering the world around them. CUNY students graduate with a keen understanding of how they affect and shape the children in their care every day. Learn more by visiting the college website at brooklyn.cuny.edu.
- Public University
- 10,000 - 20,000 Students
- 100-200 Grads/Yr
- 6.1% Loan Default
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania ranks in the top schools in the northeast. With small classes and a faculty to student ratio of 20:1, Bloomsburg University prepares and inspires students to become dynamic and confident leaders. Their Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education offers the opportunity to develop knowledge of the nature of the child and their learning process while building a strong foundation of subject knowledge in order to become an effective teacher of students from pre K to grade 4. Learn more by visiting the college website at bloomu.edu.
- Public University
- 5,000 - 10,000 Students
- 50-100 Grads/Yr
- 4.9% Loan Default
Georgia College and State University is Georgia's designated public liberal arts university. Offering an expansive undergraduate educational experience, Georgia College's Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education offers a field based approach to learning the theory and practice associated with child learning and development. Students are paired with mentor leaders and offered opportunities to collaborate with their peers for a well-rounded learning experience. Learn more by visiting the college website at gcsu.edu.
- Public University
- 5,000 - 10,000 Students
- 25-50 Grads/Yr
- 3.2% Loan Default
Found on the eastern shore of Maryland, Salisbury University offers an acclaimed Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. Meeting both state and national standards, the program focuses on the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that are critical for today's teachers to promote student success, as well as the cognitive and emotional milestones that mark children's developmental phases. Learn more by visiting the college website at salisbury.edu.
- Public University
- 5,000 - 10,000 Students
- 50-100 Grads/Yr
- 4.3% Loan Default
Located in southern Pennsylvania, Shippensburg University provides its students with small classroom sizes for a more personalized learning experience. Graduates of the Bachelors of Science degree in Special Education and Early Childhood Education become eligible to teach in preschool through eighth grade classrooms. Students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge with children and professionals in various educational settings. Learn more by visiting the college website at ship.edu.
- Public University
- 5,000 - 10,000 Students
- 100-200 Grads/Yr
- 5.4% Loan Default
Adjacent to the borough of Kutztown, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania offers outstanding academic programs in education. With an emphasis on field based experiences and current research and theory, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Kutztown University enables successful candidates to teach classes from pre-kindergarten through grade 4 or from grade 4 to 8 with emphasis on child development, cognition and learning, assessment and pedagogy. Learn more by visiting the college website at kutztown.edu.
- Public University
- 5,000 - 10,000 Students
- 100-200 Grads/Yr
- 5.6% Loan Default
The University of Dayton is a renowned Catholic, Marianist research institution located on the banks of the Great Miami River in southwest Ohio. With a faculty to student ratio of 14:1, students receive a personalized and hands-on education while completing their Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. Successful candidates are streamed toward field placement and licensure, and enables candidates to teach pre-kindergarten through grade three. Learn more by visiting the college website at udayton.edu.
- Private University
- 10,000 - 20,000 Students
- 50-100 Grads/Yr
- Online Education Options
- 1.9% Loan Default
Located in the town of Menomonie, Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Stout is a proud polytechnic university. 98% of the school's Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education graduates are currently employed or pursuing graduate degrees. The program, which includes 250 hours of practicum experience, can be expanded to include special education learning or education of grades four to six in addition to the scope of the ECE degree program. Learn more by visiting the college website at uwstout.edu.
- Public University
- 5,000 - 10,000 Students
- 50-100 Grads/Yr
- 3.8% Loan Default
Originally founded as a teacher's college, Millersville University of Pennsylvania is located in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area. It is one of the most highly regarded public universities in its region and is ranked in the top ten public universities in the north. Millersville University's Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education can be completed in eight semesters and is recognized by the state for certification to teach grades pre-kindergarten through four. Successful students may apply for a Pennsylvania Instructional I teaching certificate. Learn more by visiting the college website at millersville.edu.
- Public University
- 5,000 - 10,000 Students
- 50-100 Grads/Yr
- 5.8% Loan Default
Just eight miles north of Baltimore, Towson University is amongst the largest of public universities in Maryland. Founded on the understanding that teaching preschool and primary grades requires special skills and knowledge, the school's Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program leads successful candidates to the Maryland State Certification, qualifying graduates to teach children from birth to grade three. Learn more by visiting the college website at towson.edu.
- Public University
- 20,000+ Students
- 100-200 Grads/Yr
- 3.9% Loan Default
The multi-campus University of North Georgia offers a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education program. The program is flexible, and available on a part-time basis; requirements include 120 hours of field work. Compliant with both state and national requirements, the successful graduate will be certified to teach preschool through grade five as well as know how to build and sustain positive school relationships with families, caregivers and other community partners. Learn more by visiting the college website at ung.catalog.acalog.com.
- Public University
- 10,000 - 20,000 Students
- 100-200 Grads/Yr
- 9.3% Loan Default
The University of Alabama at Birmingham, an internationally recognized doctoral research university, is located in central Alabama. With classes taught by nationally renowned professors and offered on weekends, during the summer, and partially online, UAB's Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education will prepare candidates for a career as a highly qualified teacher by focusing on theory and classroom practical skills regarding child development, reading, primary math methods, pedagogy, classroom management, and other key concepts. Learn more by visiting the college website at uab.edu.
- Public University
- 10,000 - 20,000 Students
- 50-100 Grads/Yr
- Online Education Options
- 6.2% Loan Default
As the largest university in the state, South Dakota State University offers a nationally accredited Bachelors of Science degree in Education and Human Sciences with a specialization in Early Childhood Education. The program prepares professionals to work in educational settings with children and their families and as part of Head Start, preschool programs, as well to own or work in a variety of child care centers. Learn more by visiting the college website at sdstate.edu.
- Public University
- 10,000 - 20,000 Students
- 50-100 Grads/Yr
- 4.6% Loan Default
Located in the southernmost part of Georgia, Valdosta State University offers a flexible, convenient, and modern approach to teaching. With courses offered both on-campus and online, the state-accredited Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Early Childhood Education gives students the opportunity to match educational theory with practice through courses that are supported by structured field experiences. Learn more by visiting the college website at valdosta.edu.
- Public University
- 10,000 - 20,000 Students
- 50-100 Grads/Yr
- 8.6% Loan Default
Located in metropolitan Los Angeles, California State University-Los Angeles has one of the most diverse student population in the nation. CSU Los Angeles offers a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development which will help prepare the student to obtain California State credentials to teach grades from kindergarten to eight. Learn more by visiting the college website at calstatela.edu.
- Public University
- 20,000+ Students
- 100-200 Grads/Yr
- 6.0% Loan Default
Well known for its highly regarded education programs and for its one-on-one attention to students from faculty members, Armstrong State University is situated on the Atlantic coast of Savannah, Georgia. Armstrong students enrolled in the university's Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood gain valuable field placement and internship experience in local schools, and emerge from the program ready to endorse Common Core Georgia performance standards, identify and prevent early learning difficulties, and support community efforts to improve elementary school education. Successful completion of the degree program will lead to state accreditation to teach pre-kindergarten through grade five. Learn more by visiting the college website at armstrong.edu.
- Public University
- 5,000 - 10,000 Students
- 25-50 Grads/Yr
- 8.1% Loan Default
As an integral part of the University of Tennessee System, the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga offers an accredited Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education Pre-K-3, coupled with additional endorsement in Special Education Early Childhood PreK-3. With such topics as Oral Language and Early Literacy Development, and Young Exceptional Learners' Characteristics and Needs, pre-service teachers enter their practicum and licensure with an understanding of the inclusive classroom environment. Learn more by visiting the college website at utc.edu.
- Public University
- 10,000 - 20,000 Students
- 100-200 Grads/Yr
- 6.9% Loan Default
Founded in 1889, Slippery Rock University is a member of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education and offers a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Through observation, theory, research, and practical placement, SRU students will become confident teachers and leaders of children from pre-kindergarten to grade 4. Students may also choose to pair their studies with a minor in exceptionalities, Spanish or arts in order to further enrich today's inclusive classroom environment. Learn more by visiting the college website at sru.edu.
- Public University
- 5,000 - 10,000 Students
- 25-50 Grads/Yr
- 4.4% Loan Default
Arkansas State University's School of Teacher Education and Leadership offers the Early Childhood Education Bachelor of Science program to those individuals who wish to work with young children. With multiple field placements and strong mentorship, students graduate prepared to work with children from pre-kindergarten to grade 4 in a variety of settings, with a firm foundation in child development and best practices for student guidance. Learn more by visiting the college website at astate.edu.
- Public University
- 10,000 - 20,000 Students
- 100-200 Grads/Yr
- 10.2% Loan Default